Being taken advantage of can hurt deeply. It can leave us feeling used, ignored, or betrayed. At times, we may give our time, love, or resources freely, only to feel that others misuse our kindness. These experiences can shake our trust and make us question how we should respond as followers of Christ.
The Bible does not ignore the pain of being taken advantage of. In fact, many of God’s people faced unfair treatment. They were mistreated, lied about, and wronged. Yet in every story, we see that God was aware. He saw their suffering. He defended them. He strengthened them.
As Christians, we are called to love others. We are called to forgive. At the same time, Scripture teaches wisdom, justice, and healthy boundaries. Being taken advantage of does not mean we must remain silent or allow harm to continue. God cares about truth and righteousness.
Let us look at what the Bible says about being taken advantage of. May these verses guide us to trust God, act wisely, forgive freely, and rest in His justice.
Bible Verses About Being Taken Advantage Of
Trusting God When We Are Taken Advantage Of
When we are taken advantage of, our first response may be anger or deep sadness. We may feel forgotten or overlooked. In those moments, we must remember that God sees everything. Nothing escapes His notice. Every unfair word, every dishonest act, and every selfish decision made against us is known to Him.
Trusting God when we are taken advantage of means we release our need to control the outcome. We choose to believe that He is just. We choose to believe that He defends His children. This trust does not mean we ignore wrong actions. It means we hand the final judgment over to God.
When we face unfair treatment, we can pray honestly. We can tell God how we feel. The Psalms show us that it is acceptable to cry out in pain. God welcomes our prayers. He comforts us when others misuse our kindness.
Being taken advantage of can test our faith. Yet these trials can draw us closer to the Lord. We learn to depend on Him more fully. We grow stronger as we wait on His help.
Let us trust God in these seasons. He is our refuge. He is our defender. He will never take advantage of us.
Psalm 9:9
“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9
Psalm 37:5
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5
Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
God Sees Injustice When We Are Taken Advantage Of
Being taken advantage of often involves injustice. Someone may lie, cheat, or misuse our trust. The Bible clearly teaches that God sees injustice. He cares about fairness and truth.
When we are treated unfairly, we can feel alone. Yet Scripture reminds us that God is close to the oppressed. He hears cries for help. He promises to act in His time.
We may not see immediate results. The person who wronged us may seem to succeed for a while. This can be hard for us. Still, God’s justice is steady and sure. He does not forget the pain of His children.
As we face being taken advantage of, we can rest in the truth that God defends the weak. He stands against dishonesty. He calls us to live upright lives and to trust Him with what we cannot fix.
Let us hold on to hope. God is righteous. He will make things right in His perfect way.
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Psalm 103:6
“The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6
Ecclesiastes 3:17
“I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Ecclesiastes 3:17
Isaiah 30:18
“And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
Responding With Wisdom When Taken Advantage Of
Being taken advantage of does not mean we must keep allowing harmful behavior. The Bible teaches wisdom. We are called to be loving and kind, yet wise and alert.
When we recognize that someone is using us unfairly, we can seek God’s guidance. We can set healthy limits. Wisdom protects our hearts and our resources.
Jesus told His followers to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This balance helps us avoid bitterness while guarding ourselves from repeated harm.
Being taken advantage of can teach us discernment. We learn to recognize patterns. We grow in maturity. We ask God for insight before making decisions.
Let us respond with grace and wisdom. God desires us to live in peace and truth.
Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” Proverbs 14:15
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6
Forgiving Those Who Take Advantage Of Us
Forgiveness can be hard when we have been taken advantage of. We may feel wounded and angry. Yet Jesus calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Forgiveness does not mean we excuse wrong actions. It means we release bitterness from our hearts. We refuse to let resentment control us.
When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of anger. We trust God to handle justice. We choose peace over revenge.
Being taken advantage of can shape our hearts in painful ways. Forgiveness helps us heal. It allows us to move forward with hope.
Let us ask God for strength to forgive. He has forgiven us much. We can extend that same grace to others.
Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” Matthew 6:14
Matthew 6:15
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” Luke 6:37
Maintaining Integrity When Taken Advantage Of
Being taken advantage of can tempt us to respond with dishonesty or revenge. We may think about getting even. Yet God calls us to maintain integrity.
Our character matters more than winning an argument. When we act with honesty, we reflect Christ. Even if others misuse us, we stay true to God’s standards.
Integrity brings peace. We can sleep at night knowing we acted rightly. God honors those who live upright lives.
Being taken advantage of tests our values. We choose whether to mirror wrong behavior or stand firm in righteousness.
Let us choose integrity. God sees our faithfulness and rewards it in His time.
Proverbs 11:3
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3
Romans 12:17
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Romans 12:17
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Psalm 15:2
“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:2
1 Peter 2:12
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12
Setting Boundaries When Being Taken Advantage Of
God calls us to love others, yet He does not call us to allow repeated harm. Being taken advantage of may require setting clear boundaries.
Boundaries protect our time, energy, and emotional health. They are not acts of hatred. They are acts of wisdom.
Jesus often withdrew from crowds. He did not allow others to control His schedule. We can follow His example.
Being taken advantage of can decrease when we communicate clearly. We speak truth with kindness. We say no when needed.
Let us ask God for courage to set healthy limits. Loving others includes caring for our own well being.
Mark 1:35
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35
Proverbs 22:3
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3
Galatians 6:5
“For every man shall bear his own burden.” Galatians 6:5
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Proverbs 25:17
“Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” Proverbs 25:17
Finding Strength After Being Taken Advantage Of
Being taken advantage of can drain our strength. It can leave us tired and discouraged. Yet God renews us.
He gives us comfort when we are weary. He restores our souls. His presence heals broken places.
We grow stronger as we lean on Him. Pain does not have the final word. God brings growth through trials.
Being taken advantage of can deepen our compassion. We become more sensitive to others who suffer.
Let us receive God’s strength. He lifts us up and carries us through.
Psalm 23:3
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3
2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Isaiah 40:29
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29
Psalm 55:22
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
Reward and Hope Beyond Being Taken Advantage Of
Being taken advantage of may feel unfair in the moment. Yet God promises reward for faithfulness.
He sees acts of kindness that others misuse. He records our obedience. Nothing done in love is wasted.
We hold on to eternal hope. Earthly injustice will not last forever. God’s kingdom is built on righteousness.
Being taken advantage of does not erase our worth. God values us deeply.
Let us look ahead with hope. God will honor faithfulness in His perfect time.
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Hebrews 6:10
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
Revelation 22:12
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12
Preachers Quotes
“When others misuse you, God still values you.” – Billy Graham
“God sees every wrong and He will make it right.” – Charles Stanley
“Forgiveness frees the heart from chains.” – Joyce Meyer
“Trust God with the injustice you face.” – Tony Evans
“Our character matters more than our comfort.” – Rick Warren
“Grace is strongest when we feel weakest.” – T. D. Jakes
“God honors integrity in every season.” – John Piper
“We reflect Christ when we respond with love.” – Alistair Begg
“The Lord defends His people.” – D. L. Moody
“Hope rises when we trust God’s justice.” – R. C. Sproul
You might also be interested in: Bible verses about Scamming
Final Thought
Being taken advantage of can leave scars on our hearts. I know how painful it can feel when kindness is misused. Yet we have seen that God is close to us in those moments. We are called to trust Him, forgive others, act with wisdom, and keep our integrity. We do not have to carry bitterness. We can place justice in God’s hands.
I believe that when we respond in a Christlike way, our hearts remain strong. We grow deeper in faith. We learn to set healthy boundaries without losing love. Let us continue walking in grace and truth. God sees our faithfulness. He will reward it.
If you would like more encouragement, take time to read more Bible encouragement and keep building your faith. Keep studying God’s Word and allow His truth to guide you through every season of life.